How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India: a Step-by-step Guide
With ancient medical roots dating back to nearly 2500 years ago, India definitely holds an important spot in the medical world. Approximately 7.3 million people came to India in 2024 for some medical treatment. Well, if you are also planning to do the same then you will be required to go through the India eVisa application process. During this process, you will be required to get a Medical visa if you are getting the treatment, or a Medical Attendant visa for someone who is accompanying the patient. However, this process is trickier than it appears. So, you must understand all the steps of the process before starting it.
What is an Indian Medical Visa?
Well, it is important to know the basics of just any visa before you proceed to apply for it. This way by understanding the basics you get to ensure you are picking a visa that matches your travel purpose.
Purpose:
The purpose behind applying for this visa can easily be understood from its name. This is a travel permit that is applied by foreign nationals who are seeking medical treatment in India. This helps them in easily entering the country to solve their illnesses effectively.
Validity:
This visa comes with a standard validity of 6 months. However, this can be extended if a patient needs to stay in the country for a longer period.
Eligible treatments:
Not all medical conditions qualify for a medical visa in India. So, there is a chance that you won’t be able to get the visa, let alone check the eVisa processing time in India. Some of the serious illnesses that qualify for this visa are organ transplants, neurosurgery, heart procedures, and others.
Who Can Apply:
Only a patient who is visiting India to get treated for the above-listed medical issues is allowed to get a Medical visa for the country. Plus, two more people who accompany them during this visit can also get a visa that is related to the cause and it is called a Medical Attendant Visa.
Other than this, India also offers another type of visa which is known as the Ayush visa or AY visa. This is applicable to anyone who is coming to the country to get treated through traditional Indian medical practices or Ayurveda. Similarly, any person who is accompanying the patient will have to get an AYUSH-2 (AY-2) visa.
Documents Required for an Indian Medical Visa
All individuals who are carrying out the process are required to provide a few documents during the process. These are necessary for the process and help you get the application approved without facing any issues. Some of these documents are:
Valid Passport
Your passport plays the most important role in an International trip as it is the biggest identity proof. Plus, it also proves your ties with your country of origin. Just make sure your passport comes with the signs of validity. A valid passport includes at least two blank pages and has a minimum of 6 months validity beyond your travel.
Recent Passport-sized Photograph
All applicants for medical visas are required to offer a scanned copy of their recent passport-sized photograph. This one should have a plain background and a formal approach. On top of that, please make sure that the picture is not hazy in any way and that all your features are properly visible in it.
Completed Application Form
You are supposed to complete your online application form if you want to proceed in this process. You will be required to properly state all your details in this and ensure you make no mistakes.
Official Medical Letter
The India eVisa application process for a Medical visa requires you to share a letter that is sent from a recognized hospital in India. This ensures that you are indeed in terms with the medical center to get treated and you are not faking the whole scenario.
Medical Records
This is another document that proves the legitimacy of your condition. So you will be required to share your medical records and diagnosis reports from a hospital in your home country. Moreover, you should also ensure that these reports clearly state your medical condition and the specifications of it.
Proof of Financial Ability
Well, treating any type of medical issue involves you paying some money. You must share some proof of income or financial ability with the authority, such as your bank statements or proof of sponsorship. This will prove that you are capable of covering the different expenses part of your treatment plan.
Return Flight Tickets
The authority might direct you to share a copy of your return flight tickets. This will prove that you have plans of returning to your home country and do not plan on staying there.
Step-by-step Application Process for an Indian Medical Visa
The process for acquiring a medical visa for India involves you to follow a few steps, all of which play an important role in the process. Some of the steps that you will be required to follow in this process are:
Step 1: Visit the Online Portal
The process starts with you opening the online portal for the e-Medical visa or e-Medical Attendant visa application. After that, you will have to select the right category depending on if you are a patient or accompanying a patient. However, you should remember to check your eligibility before proceeding with the process.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
The next step in the process is to fill out the application form with accurate details related to you. Other than that, you will also have to share details regarding your medical history.
Step 3: Add the Necessary Documents
You will be required to share scanned copies of the documents that we discussed in the previous section. This includes your passport-sized photo and scanned passport page. On top of that, you will also have to provide hospital details and an invitation letter.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
All applicants of the Indian eVisa are required to pay an application fee. So, make sure you use your debit or credit card to pay the e-Medical or e-Medical Attendant visa application fee.
Step 5: Wait for Processing & Receive the Visa
The eVisa processing time for India ranges between 3–7 business days. So, you will have to wait for that time being. Once it gets approved, you will receive the approval letter on the email ID that you provided in the application form. After that, you will just have to bring a few copies of it with you to the airport during immigration. However, if you do not get the visa within this time then you will have to contact the authority for further assistance.
Entry & Stay Guidelines for Medical Visa Holders
All foreign nationalities who are entering the country with an e-Medical or e-Medical Attendant visa, are required to follow a few guidelines. These are as follows:
- You must enter India through designated international airports/seaports. Failing to follow that might put you in a tricky situation.
- They should report to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if their medical procedure requires them to stay over 180 days.
- Applicants can apply for a visa extension if additional treatment is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Application Process
Making mistakes is common across all individuals. However, it is important to remember that making even the slightest of mistakes in this process can result in delay or visa rejection, both of which will ultimately delay your medical process. So, you need to avoid making any mistakes during the process, some of which include:
Missing or Incomplete Medical Document:
Well, this mistake can subsequently delay your India eVisa application process. So, make sure you get this from an Indian hospital and provide it during the process.
Applying Too Close to the Travel Dates:
There is always a fair chance of facing delays in the process. So, it is best to apply at least 2–3 weeks in advance. This way you will be able to avoid last-minute stress.
Not Checking Any Travel Advisories:
All countries come with a few entry or travel restrictions which should be followed by all. Moreover, you might also face issues if you fail to follow those. So, remember to follow all the restrictions.
Ready to Complete Your India Evisa Application for a Medical Visa?
Applying for an e-Medical or e-Medical Attendant visa is easy if you know the right way for it. You are just required to follow the necessary steps for the India eVisa application and remember to avoid mistakes. This alone will help you in getting your visa.
